Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Neem (Azadirachta indica) medicinal herb is a plant known as the wonder tree of the humid tropics.  It is used in medicines, cosmetics as well asinsect repellents.   It is known to kill over three hundred insects.  No wonder the seeds and leaves are utilized as bio-insecticides both locally and internationally in the organic farming industry.

The medicinal properties are emetic, antiviral, astringent, sedative, antifungal, emmenagogue, insecticidal, mucilaginous, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stomachic, digestive, antioxidant, diuretic and tonic.

The active constituents of this herb is Nimbidin, Nimbin, Quercetin, Azadirachtin, Nimbidol, Salannin, Gedunin and Sodium nimbate.

This is an excellent herb due to the fact that all parts of this tree can be used for medicinal purposes. The seeds, leaves, flowers and bark are all very important and they are used to prepare herbal medications.

An essential oil is produced from the fruit and the seeds, and a tonic can be made from the bark. One particular decoction made from the roots is consumed to tackle fever in India.

Health benefits of neem herb

Some traditional physicians in India even suggested that individuals suffering from chicken pox could sleep on the leaves to help alleviate the problem. Extracts from the leaves is said to aid those suffering from diabetes.  This herb is a good herbal remedy for heart diseases, malaria, ulcers, cold, chest pains, fever, cancer, hepatitis and vitiligo which is a skin disease.

Historically, the willowy twigs were actually chewed on with the intention to clean the teeth. The twigs are still gathered today and also sold in market places due to this practice. Therefore, in India a person most of the time encounters young people on the streets chewing on these twigs.

Neem blossoms are used for culinary purposes including the making of curry from these blossoms. Both the dried and fresh blossoms can be used.  In Pakistan the tree is seen as a natural pesticide.

A soap made from neem oil possesses a lot of health benefits.  The soap is excellent for skin ailments such as acne, chicken pox, small pox, measles and other skin issues. A paste made from the leaves is also good for these skin ailments including an herbal bath. The oil which possesses high fatty acid and low terpene content is also found to be useful as anatural mosquito repellent.

The medicinal herb has the ability to eradicate infection associated with the hair to promote hair growth.  Hair loss is a result of infection which affects the hair follicle.  Boiled five leaves in water and use the water to wash the hair.  It will not hurt the hair shaft because it is seen as a natural disinfectant.  This method will also aid in alleviating dandruff.

Dosage

One cup of neem leaf decoction taken two times daily is the standard dosage.